Symbolism is something that figuratively represents something else. This is very common in many literary works. One piece of literature that stands out, as a perfect example of symbolism is Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown." This story is filled with symbolism, and provides a good example of an allegory, or a story in which concrete items or characters represent abstract ideas. Hawthorne uses both objects and people as symbols to better support the allegorical tones throughout this piece.
“Young Goodman Brown" is a story about a Puritan who ventures off into the forest outside of Salem Massachusetts to embark on a journey, which is forbidden in his religion. His religious beliefs are very often challenged and until he meets with people he knows he remains strong. It is speculative whether he fell asleep and dreamed it, or rather it really occurred, but he has an encounte...